Weekend Warrior Outfit Inspiration

Posted on January 22, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The weekend is almost here! Even though this was technically a shorter work week because of the holiday (Yay for Martin Luther King) I still feel like it has dragged on. Below is a casual outfit inspired by the weekend and wanting to be relaxed and chill yet still stylish. I paired my trustee willow & clay utility vest that I throw on with absolutely everything (need this thing in 20 colors) with a cozy long sleeved striped crew neck t shirt from old navy. My love affair with these boyfriend jeans from H&M also continues and compliments the “star” of this outfit which in my opinion is this pair of Aldo lace up booties. I scored these babies on clearance for $25 and although they only had a size 6.5 and I am typically a 6, I bought them anyway because of how pretty and genuinely comfortable they are. The thick chunky heel allows for me to strut my stuff all over town if I wanted or just simply run a few errands and look badass while doing so. Links to items can be found below!

Old Navy Black & White Striped Top

H&M Boyfriend Jeans

Aldo “Trorecia” Lace Up Booties

Willow & Clay Olive Utility Vest

Old Season Forever 21 Leopard Clutch

-Ari

S.W. Basics of Brooklyn-Natural Product Review

Posted on January 14, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Review time!!! So as some of you may or may not know, I have tried to incorporate more natural based products into my beauty regiment starting with the process of growing out my chemical processing and getting my healthy curls back. In my search for new products to try I came across this company called S.W. Basics of Brooklyn. First and foremost the name caught my eye immediately, anything that reminds me of home is so fun for me to support. Started by Adina Grigore, this company uses no more than 5 ingredients in every single one of their products. All responsibly sourced and simple enough to be accessible to everyone yet potent.

-100% All natural (not just a sneaky advertising label)
Ingredients are either certified organic, fair trade, or sourced from small family farms. This contributes to sustainable agriculture, supports small businesses and healthier communities.
Amazing and adorable packaging that can be recycled and reused how you see fit.
Did I mention none of the products have more than 5 ingredients? YES PLEASE

I went with the eye makeup remover to start with. It goes on smooth using a cotton round or ball and dosent have a strong scent. Made from just three ingredients super-light organic sweet almond oil, a bit of organic extra-virgin olive oil, and a little jojoba oil a little bit of this product goes a long way. It removes my eye makeup including mascara and can double as a moisturizer. I don’t have to wash off the residue and can actually rub it around my eyes for that sensitive skin area to soak up all the goodness. I am definitely looking forward to trying more of their products in the future including body scrubs and cleansers. Check them out if you have sensitive skin or are just interested in using all natural products. Link Below!

Mascara, you ain’t the boss of me.

S.W Basics Makeup Remover

S.W. Basics of Brooklyn

Mac X Nasty Gal “Gunner” Review & Swatch

Posted on December 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

When two amazing brands have a collaboration , it’s fair to say everyone goes a little nuts and scours the internet looking for reviews and swatches of the new products (or maybe I am speaking for my sister and I).Mac x Nasty Gal is no exception to this rule. This partnership has created a high intensity collection of three lipsticks and nail lacquers to bring out your inner #GirlBoss. These bold colors are perfect for the fall/ winter season and I’m so glad I snagged the one I really wanted the most. Featured below is the lip color in “Gunner”, on my tan skin it goes perfect with a neutral eye and loads of mascara. Or if you are really bold, pair it with intense eyes for a night out! The consistency is classic MAC, which for me means a tiny bit drying but overall has an intense color pay off that makes up for it. Links and alternatives down below!

Some tips to make your lips look luscious:

-Exfoliate lips with a scrub (I skipped this part because I was so excited to try it and it definitely makes a huge difference)
-Try using a lip brush or angled liner brush to outline your lips first with the color (instead of using another lip liner that may alter the violet color)
-Dust translucent powder on your lips for the ultimate matte effect
-Use a small amount of highlight on your cupids bow

NO FLASH

Hope you guys enjoyed this swatch on my darker lips, what are some tricks you guys use to make your lips BOLD color ready? Comment down below!

Mac Cosmetics & Nasty Gal -Lipstick in “Gunner”

You can also check out the colors Cyber and Heroine by Mac as alternative’s since this Nasty Gal collection is selling out fast!

Toodles,

Ari

“A Bloggers Thanksgiving”- Top 10 Things We Are Thankful For

Posted on November 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Things We are Thankful for by ari-pena featuring a deborah lippmann nail polish

As bloggers we are both inclined to always try new products or styles in order to consistently stay abreast of all the latest and greatest. Although we love shopping and reviewing new things, there are those constant tried and true items that will always be staples in our lives. Here are our top 10 items we are grateful exist in this world to make our lives just a bit more fulfilling.

Top ten things Ari & Gwen are grateful for this year-

Coconut Oil– I mean, no explanation needed! Not only can this be used on your hair but also skin, nails/cuticles, food the list goes on and on!
Dr. Scholls anything- From the inserts to the “fast flats” these products always save our tootsies from any emergency.
Pant/Skirt Hangers– Something so simple, yet it keeps skirts and pants wrinkle and indentation free (velvet ones also help reduce lines but these are preferable).
Lipstick– Any color, any finish, lipstick will always liven up your face and can be used in a pinch as blush as well.
Fast Dry Top Coats– Because who has time to wait for nails to dry?
Concealer– It helps us not look like zombies, covers and brightens like a dream!.
Bronzer– You can contour and carve yourself out an entire new face or simply add some glow, bronzer is where its at any season.
Scarves– Scarves galore! From thin to thick, infinity, patterned or even crotchet, scarves add an instant pop to any outfit. They also are functional keeping even the most coldest winds off your face and neck. Slip on a cool and cozy scarf and you’re ready to head out the door!
Tote Bags– Besides carrying an everyday purse, tote bags can serve as food storage, gym bags, diaper bags, extra night out clothes bag, you name it! .
Dry Shampoo– Last but certainly not least, when the world just dosent offer us the time to prep, Dry shampoo saves the day by taking away the shine on those non wash days.

All in all we are thankful for one another and our families and can’t wait to reunite for Christmas. Our blog is going in a great direction and we cannot wait to see what the future will bring.

Love Ari & Gwen

Yo Amo Mi Pajón

Posted on November 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The slang term “Pajón” in Spanish is used to describe any sort of “disorderly hair” or “afro like texture and size of hair. Albeit, it’s normally used in a negative way, these days I see a slight shift towards a … Continue reading →

“Fall” into the 90’s- Sporty Look

Posted on October 15, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

For the second post of the “Fall” into the 90’s 3 part series I wanted to go for a more sportier look then the first. I found this sweatshirt dress on clearance at H&M and have been able to style it so many ways ever since! In thinking about by the 90’s I went the more urban route and paired it with my nike air max sneakers, holographic clutch and can’t forget my tribal tattoo spiral choker set complete with ring and bracelet. I used to rock these chokers in so many different colors and styles back in the day! This dress is super versatile and can also be worn belted with heels for a chilly fall night out on the town. The cute yellow socks with heart print detail are from forever 21 and are best worn on a less cold evening since they are very thin. Check out the bottom for similar items and links.

Excuse the lack of nail polish…I am trying to grow these babies out!

90’s Sporty Fashion by ari-pena featuring genuine leather handbags

-Ari Baby, “Please say the Baby”

Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush

Posted on October 6, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I don’t know about everyone else but I don’t have the easiest time pulling off a cat eye or any other complex liner especially when it comes to using gel. You have to have the right tools in order to get that perfect shape. Ive used bent/angled eyeliner brushes in the past and the bristles would always fray and never gave me the precision I was looking for. In comes this awesome silicone brush from Real Techniques. Featured here on the blog before, this brand is affordable and high quality. I picked this bad boy up at ULTA and immediately noticed how much easier it was to apply my gel liner. Cleaning it is a also a breeze and it eliminates any chances of fraying or shedding like a brush would. I can pick up the right amount and it glides smoothly over my skin without me tugging or stretching it taut like I used to (which by the way is no bueno, who wants premature wrinkles?!). I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to incorporate gel liner but are having trouble applying it precisely.

Quick look at my cat- eye liner! Achieved with this awesome tool!

-Ari

Lawrence Zarian + Mall at Millenia Fashion Week

Posted on September 28, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I was lucky enough to check out the Mall at Millenia’s Fashion Week public showcase of fall trends. The show was styled by the awesome local Melanie Pace whom I’ve featured on the blog before. Also included in the experience … Continue reading →

eShakti Custom Dress +Coupon Code!

Posted on September 14, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

We were contacted a couple of weeks ago from an online women’s clothing company named eShakti with regards to reviewing the site and process of clothing customization. We of course jumped at the opportunity, after all this site boast to cater to women from sizes 0-36W and besides your ready to order items it will customize anything from the site whether its size or style.The following is my impression of my process.

-First things first- Customer service is on point! They were so gracious and extremely helpful in the customizing aspect (since it was my first time ordering from the site.)

-I loved how easy it was to send your measurements and changing aspects of the garment such as length.

– The options are beautiful, well made and well suited for many occasions.

I chose this “embellished print poplin dress” because I was in need of more work place attire and thought this could merge my love for trends and being work appropriate. It is beautiful! It fits perfectly tailored to me and although it is lined it didn’t feel heavy at all and can be worn to transition throughout the seasons. I sent my personal measurements as well as opted to make it at the knee instead below knee-length (since I am only 5’3). It worked out and the olive tone looks great with my pink Nine West heels. The a-line gives me more shape and the high empire waist creates the illusion of curves. I would definitely order from them considering you get to design your own piece from start to finish!

They were gracious enough to send us a coupon code for anyone that might be interested in customizing and purchasing something from the site. Good for 10% on any purchase and will only last until September 27, 2014 so hurry and check it out!

Use the code – applesandoranges

They have such a great selection of stuff, check it out and use our code!

-Love
Ari

My personal Pick –Dress

Similar Heels

Stay Hydrated in Style- Nasty Gal Unchained Water Bottle Holder

Posted on September 9, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

WARNING: This post might alienate some readers that aren’t into “frivolous” things a.k.a AWESOME things! I was doing my usual perusing online and came across this tailor-made for me item on NastyGal.com. Not only does this water bottle holder serve its … Continue reading →